'Blossoms and Beauties' The fleeting beauty of cherry...

BEST BETS

January 03, 2002|By Karin Remesch

'Blossoms and Beauties'

The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, flowering plums and chrysanthemums has long inspired Japanese artists. Beginning Wednesday, you can view some of the results of such inspiration when Blossoms and Beauties opens at the Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. The colorful exhibition, which is open through April 7, includes a variety of Japanese prints, screens and more from the museum's permanent collection. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is $8, $6 for seniors, $5 ages 18-25, free 17 and under. Call 410-547-9000.

Southside Johnny

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes bring their '70s New Jersey shore sound to the Recher Theatre tomorrow. The Bruce Springsteen-inspired combo is known for such hits as "I Don't Wanna Go Home," "Hearts of Stone," "This Time It's for Real" and "Got to Get You Off My Mind." Dean Rosenthal and the Resothonics open the show. The Recher is located at 512 York Road in Towson. Concert time is 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 410-337-7210.

'Symphony of Lights'

There's still time to be dazzled by a fantasy of color, design and animation. The eighth annual "Symphony of Lights" in Symphony Woods, Columbia, remains open through Sunday. That's four more days to drive through the 1.4-mile display of more than 70 larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday-light creations set against a natural wooded backdrop. Hours are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $12 per car, van or recreational vehicle up to 11 passengers; $25 for commercial vans and minibuses seating 12-24 people; and $75 for buses exceeding 25. Proceeds benefit Howard County General Hospital. Call 410-740-7666.

Marine Band concert

"The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band will pay musical tribute to the nation and its leaders during its first concert of the 2002 season, beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday at the University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Stadium Drive and University Boulevard in College Park. The "Mystic Chords of Memory" concert features a collection of American musical memorials, including Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait," Warren Benson's "The Leaves Are Falling," James Hewitt's "The Battle of Trenton" and Charles Ives' war song march "They Are There!" Admission is free, and tickets are not required. Call 202-433-4011 or 301-405-2787.

'Die Fledermaus'

A farce filled with great tunes and laughs, in which most of the characters assume other identities -- that's Strauss' Die Fledermaus. You can follow the tangled plot when the operetta is performed by the Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Orchestra Saturday at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St. in Annapolis. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a champagne party and silent auction of antique jewelry, maritime collectibles, cruises and gift certificates for meals and services. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 410-263-1906.

Cat Association Show

More than 200 felines will try to purr their way to the top this weekend at a cat show sponsored by the NovaCats Cat Club at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, 5625 O'Donnell St. Cheer for your favorite pedigreed, rare or household cat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You can also adopt a kitty and browse displays featuring cat products and feline gift items. And children get to vote for their favorite cat to win the Spectator's Choice Award. The show is sanctioned by the International Cat Association; proceeds benefit area cat shelters. Admission is $4 and $6. Call 703-243-5787; 703-402-9425 during the show; or visit the Web site at www.sarajencats.com / novacats.htm.

'Big Band Serenade'

Vocalist Julie Budd joins the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra tomorrow and Saturday in a tribute to the great hits of the big-band era, Broadway and cabaret. Budd, who made her singing debut at age 12, has performed with such legendary stars as Frank Sinatra, Liberace and George Burns. The evening's program features a variety of classic hits, including "Hello Young Lovers," "Something Wonderful" and "Funny Valentine." Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $29 to $70. Call 410-783-8000.